United States authorities have announced a strict ban on drone operations around stadiums and fan zones during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), all unauthorized aircraft, including drones, will be prohibited from flying within three nautical miles of World Cup stadiums on match days and up to 3,000 feet above ground level.
The restrictions will also apply to fan events organised across host cities, with no-fly zones extending within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground.
The FAA said the measures are part of enhanced security plans aimed at protecting millions of fans expected to attend the global football tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“As fans from around the world gather at stadiums and fan events across the country for the FIFA World Cup, the FAA is using every available tool to protect the airspace,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said.
Authorities warned that violators could face fines of up to $100,000, confiscation of equipment, and possible federal criminal charges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also confirmed it will support enforcement efforts using advanced drone detection and tracking technology to identify unauthorized drone operators.
Officials said a new enforcement initiative known as DETER will be deployed during the tournament to rapidly detect and respond to drone violations.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, with matches hosted across multiple cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
